Veterans Coalition donates to Veterans Watchmaking Initiative

Dave Skocik, president and cofounder of the Delaware Veterans Coalition, presented a $1,000 check to Sam Cannan, president of the Veterans Watchmaking Initiative on behalf of the coalition July 25.

The donation was made in anticipation of the opening of the Odessa location, set for Sept. 13, when seven disabled veterans will begin training.

Cannan, a retired Baltimore police officer and Swiss-trained master watchmaker who resides in Dover, has devoted himself to giving disabled veterans a new opportunity unhampered by physical or other disabilities.

His goal is to train, house and feed his veteran students at no cost to them. The cost of training and residence at the facility will be underwritten by the watchmaking industry, grants and private donations.

Odessa is the forerunner of a unique school in Middletown that will accommodate as many as 25 students from across the nation.

“It’s the least we can do for those who gave so much,” Cannan said.

For information, call 465-2421 or visit veteranswatchmakerinitiative.org and delawareveteranscoalition.com.